Friday the 13th!!!!

Happy Friday the 13th to YOU!!

If I didn't know better, I would say Mercury is still in retrograde!!  As Jason and I spoke earlier today...he said, you know there really is something to say about these people that do this social media stuff for a living!!!   Oh my...he is so wise. 
Point being.........here it is, another WHOLE DAY and I was bound determined to get my blog up and going on the website.  Well, it's up and it's going though only in a RSS (??) feed or whatever it's called!!!

So what do you do when technology just continues to hand you that bowl of lemons??  Do you thrown your hands up and say....FORGET IT!!!   Or do you step away for a bit and say.....tomorrow is a new day!!!

I will go with plan b and step away AGAIN for another day!!!  Maybe it's the german stubbornness within me or maybe I'm just not meant to be a computer mini-wiz!

I see the bigger lesson in all of this is PATIENCE!!!   How about you???  Are you needing more patience in different areas of your life?  Has life handed you a bowl of lemons???
Let's stick together and make some lemon bars!!  How would that be?

For now, I bid you ado and prepare for our most awesome-tastic Women's Empowerment Circle tomorrow!!  I'll report back after that.  I have NO doubt it will be totally kick-butt!!

Ta Ta for now,
Jean Kowalski
Colors of Joy

PS.....Remember to color outside the lines!!!

Great info for Colds & Flu Season

The transition from the warmer months to the cooler months can be difficult for some of us. Coughs, sneezes, runny noses, aches and pains often interrupt our every day life. The flu season could last until the roots from a new spring shoot have absorbed the last drop of winter's snow. Most people cannot afford to be sick and risk missing too much school or work due to ill health. The good news is there are many natural ways to boost one's defenses against the flu and to help winterize the immune system. It's no longer necessary to dread the effects of the season.

Improving the Immune System
We are all exposed to bacteria to viruses every minute of our lives. Since living in a germ proof bubble is not a reality for most of us, it is imperative to maintain a strong immune system to help ward off infection. Otherwise, we become vulnerable and are more susceptible to the flu, colds, and more serious illnesses. Proper nutrition is essential. Key nutrients that stimulate the immune system include vitamins A, C, E, B complex and minerals, such as Zinc, Selenium, Kelp, Germanium, Magnesium, Copper, Iron and Manganese.

You can obtain these nutrients by eating an organic whole-foods diet, which consists of fresh fruits and vegetables nuts, seeds, grains, and other foods high in fiber. Avoid consuming foods high in sugar, such as dairy products, processed foods, candy and soda. Sugar weakens the immune system and reduces the white blood cell count within the body. The function of the white blood cells is to fight and destroy germs that can cause disease. For this reason, it is crucial to strengthen the immune system to increase your natural defense against infection. Sugar may also contribute to depression, which can result in a suppressed immune system response. A positive frame of mind, massage, plenty of sleep, fresh air and exercise can make a big difference in improving your health.

Herbal Relief
Aside from obtaining proper nutrition and rest, herbal remedies are providing relief from wintertime maladies. Many herbs are ubiquitous in human foods, and because herbs provide more than just great flavor, they now fill medicine cabinets across the country. Capsicum (cayenne) adds more than spice to many cuisines around the word. It offers intense heat, which actually has potent fever-reducing properties. For thousands of years, the civilizations in tropical areas consumed cayenne peppers as a source to stay cooler through a mechanism that stimulates the part of the brain that regulates body temperature. According to folk literature, cayenne increases sweating and opens pores to reduce fevers. Other febrifuge herbs or herbs that reduce fevers, are chamomile, eucalyptus, and yerba santa. Another crucial element in overcoming the flu is vitamin C. Naturopaths often recommend lemon peel for its reputed content of bioflavinoids and vitamin C content. Herbalists have also used lemon peel, as well as thyme and mugwort, to increase the energy and efficiency of the liver and spleen, two key organs in our ability to resist infection. In terms of alleviating an inconvenient cough, coltsfoot and wahoo are traditional Native American lung tonic and expectorant herbs for coughs and congestion. People seeking relief during the cold and flu season know that many parts of the body are affected such as the lungs, nose and throat. It is important to restore balance to these areas to improve overal comfort during times of illness.

Lungs
Does your cough keep you up at night? Your miserable symptoms may be causing you temporary suffering, but this is your body's natural way to fight the infection. That annoying mucus you expel helps your body flush out toxins. It is important to help promote the elimination of pathogens by using herbs such as rosemary, thyme, rose hips and garlic. these herbs have folk reputations for easing the discomforts of a cough by making your mucus thinner, clearer and easier to expel as well as strengthening lung function and capacity. It is also necessary to use herbs to help keep minor bacterial complaints from getting out of control. Many people swear by garlic and echinacea during colds and flu because of their combined antiviral and antibacterial action. They are two of the most intensively studied herbs in natural medicine today. Impressive results clearly point out the immune-enhancing benefits garlic and echinacea provide.

Nose
A stuffy nose and blocked sinuses can make us all a bit restless. Your head feels heavy and all you crave is relief. Holistic naturopathic philosophy suggest that congestion in the sinuses is a sign of mucus accumulation originating in the digestive tract from poor digestion, sluggish elimination, and intestional floral imbalances. It is important to address all of these issues when overcoming colds and flu. There are many herbs to help ease these symptoms. Many of us have enjoyed peppermint's aroma and have felt its medicinal effects immediately. It's the menthol in peppermint that is responsible for alleviating nasal congestion. Did you also know that horseradish is another herb with a strong aroma that can help clear a stuffy head? Traditionally, these herbs as well as others, such as wood betony and lettuce, have been used to treat sinus congestion, improve circulation, cleanse blood and lymph glands, and fight infections.

Throat
A sore throat on top of a fever, a nasty cough, and a sinus infection can make life difficult to overcome the battle of the "cold war." Don't give up yet because according to traditional folk herbalism, black radish and parsley are treasured for their ability to aid in the relief of sore throats that accompany colds and flu. This combination of herbs also promotes elimination of toxins and fights infections.

Reminder
Most people anticipate a horrible flu season every year, anxiously waiting for their turn to become sick. Ideally, when winter arrives, we all want to remain healthy. Obtaining a healthier lifestyle to improve your natural resistance to infections and using herbal helpers to lessen the duration of a cold or flu can make a world of a difference. Hopefully, if people decide to take care of themselves, they will no longer fear the cold and flu invaders but will face them with courage and win the winter battle!

(( Taken from Herbal Insights Reflections - Fall 2000 edition of Herbal Insights. Herbal Insights is a publication of Kroeger Herb Products Co., Inc., 805 Walnut St., Boulder, CO 80302 ))
Posted by Jean with Colors of JOY!

When Change Kicks You Out-Of-The-BOX!

Greetings and I can hardly believe it's been 2 years since my last blog.  NOW I am trying to remember how to "blog" and all the ins and outs.  I hope you'll have patience with me.

I invite you to read the old stories and they are just that...old!!  Time, talent and transitions!!!  Over the last 2 years I left So. California and am in Eau Claire, Wisconsin (90 miles east of Minneapolis/St. Paul).  Spring arrived early here....the lilacs are already starting to bloom!!!  Amazing and unheard of!

 

My healing practice is taking wonderful transitions to deeper soul work.  If you are ready to really really step into your true self, I would be honored to work with and support you on your journey!!  Amazing good and juicy stuff!!!  YAY  We've been doing powerful Women's Empowerment Circles, Meditation Circles, painting classes and much more.  Yes, this is the year that I AM stepping more fully into my art and creativity.  It's such a vital piece for everyone to embrace and step in to!

Here's a picture of our last Mandala Painting Class.  The ladies did an amazing job with their creations!!

 

I am also in the process of updating the website, so please be sure to check that out.  It is definitely a work-in-progress.  I have the classes/workshops/happenings on the website.  Be sure to bookmark it and check back often.  I do have on there now a link for you to pre-purchase your healing session!!  Yes, I know...it took me long enough, didn't it??!!!!  http://www.jeankowalski.com

Stay tuned and thanking you in advance for sharing this with your friends.  If you would like to be a "blogger" for Colors of Joy, please let me know.  I would LOVE to have you and help to share your yumminess with the world!!

I sign off now, though will be back with you real soon.

From my creative and JOY-filled heart to yours,

Jean Kowalski
Colors of JOY!

Romancing the Road...the last leg!!

Dear Friends,

WOW....what a journey this has been! I finished the drive portion of the trip yesterday, pulling into the farm about 4:00 pm (CT). The excitement was building all day, as I felt the call of the horses.

I left Des Moines, Iowa so pleased that I didn't need to take time for car repairs! I was blessed with many hawks again, though not quite as many as the day before. They are the most amazing messengers. Do you have encounters with Hawk? Please share...........

I was contemplating the topic of boundary's and border's. It interesting how we put up big walls to "protect" us from what we feel are energies that aren't compatible to our own. I noticed the various borders as I crossed from one state to another. In particular it was from Kansas into Nebraska. I was traveling on really good roads, nice and smooth. Then BAM...into Nebraska which must be the home of the "pothole"!!! I also noticed each state's rules in regards to speed limits, the do's and don'ts, etc..... So I really began to think on how some people really have trouble getting out of their bigger box and that being the area they live in!! I grew up in the midwest and so many people I had met, had never left the state! I can't even process that, being I am one that has been on the move my entire life! This, too, brings me to our topic the day before and that is of creating community. So much to think about and process!!!

How about you......how do you venture out of your so-called "box"?

Are you ready to explore your possibilities??

The "box" can also be a representation of the inner limitations that you may be holding on to.

Anyway, I crossed over the Mississippi River and knew it wasn't too much further!!

I pulled into the farm, sun shining brightly, warm and with a bag of carrots in hand...I went to the barn!!! What joy to see the horses remembered me!! JOY....JOY....JOY!

We shared carrots and nose scratches and horse kisses.

This morning waking up with an exhaustion headache, I decided to walk the property and talk to my friends. Kobalt could sense my headache and so gently started to lick my forehead and to breathe into my crown chakra!! AAAHHH....... After that, I laid down for 3 hours and awoke refreshed.

The horses are incredible messengers and healers. I'm looking to a way to bring them to all of you via livestream, skype, etc. I will let everyone know when I get that set into place.

Until then, I will post pictures as soon as I can go wireless and get them off of my computer.

Thank you again for taking this journey with me. Chapter 2 starts now!!!

Stay tuned.

All my love,

Jean Kowalski

Romancing the Road - DAY 4!!!!

Dear Friends,
Well....I had great intentions of making it to the farm tonight though the tiredness over-rode the great desire to snuggle up with "little white kitty"!!!

Another interesting and enlightening day on this great journey. It became so clear that this trip is for the collective....meaning all of you!!! I hope you're taking a few minutes to read over the blog posts and share them with your friends. Would also love to see some comments or insights you may get after reading them!!

I over-nighted in Burlington, Colorado...near the Kansas border. It didn't dawn on me until I was trying to connect to the internet that I was staying at The Burlington Inn and the name of the farm I am going to is "Old Burlington Farm"!!! (side-note...the farm is WAY better!!!)

After crossing over into Kansas I was speaking with a friend on the phone and off to the south I noticed some interesting clouds forming. I hung up and all of a sudden the fog rolled in and I was totally engulfed in the fog!!! It lasted for awhile at which time I started thinking.....do we walk through our days with our heads in the fog? Sit with it and see what your shown.

Mid-day I was speaking with another friend on the phone and the topic of community came up. We were questioning on how to bring people into community, what is needed and where. At that point, I drove by a beautiful herd of Buffalo!! Talking about amazing, wise beings that love to be "in community"! A few more miles, here is a family of Llamas!!!!

Then came into a small town called Concordia, Kansas to gas up. Well, my car had other ideas. It chose not to start after filling up, so had to go and see if someone could give me a jump. Welcome Marvin.....my earth angel!! Marvin was a quiet older gentleman with an old Ford truck and he graciously came over to help me. Then after talking with my friend Philip, I decided to go and get some jumper cables of my very own. Stopped at Phil's Harley Davidson shop and talked with Phil!! Another sweet, gentle man that pointed me in the direction of CarQuest. He called CarQuest and asked the guys to take care of me! I shared with him that a dear friend of mine works for Harley Davidson in the Milwaukee area!! At that he said that I should ride!!! HA....(not in this lifetime!!)
Ok....are you still following me??

Then 3 blocks down to CarQuest!!! Two more earth angels that helped me out! I had my first lesson on how to clean the battery posts and cables!! I did mention to them that girls really shouldn't have to do this!! It got a nice chuckle from all of us. HA...that will be tomorrow's job!

So what did this show me.....Trust and Faith!!!
I saw this truck on the highway after I got going again. What a great sign!!

So I saw how the community works together in Concordia and also in the animal kingdom. I feel we can learn so much from all of them.
I was blessed with so many Hawks throughout the day, that I lost count.......20+!!!

Today, ask yourself: How can I become active in bringing community together?

The sunset was absolutely incredible. I was standing at the gas station (named--Wings America!) and the sun spoke volumes to me!!!

I will finish the road trip on Thursday. I am so grateful for the amazing messages and perfect weather conditions. Thank you to all of you.....I can feel you with me!!! I hope you're enjoying the trip.

So from Des Moines, Iowa......I bid you farewell.
I'll check in with you from my resting point of St. Charles, Illinois! Until then.......

All my love,
Jean Kowalski

Romancing the Road - Day 3

Dear Friends,
Day 3 of Romancing the Road began in Albquerque, New Mexico and sad to say…..a poor night of sleep. Great room, though the bed felt like a piece of plywood! In the morning I walked outside to a beautiful sight in the sky…..3 Hot Air Ballons!!! Of course, my camera and I where not in the same vibrational field at that moment! Their colors were fabulous and to watch how they gently glided through the sky was priceless!

The drive was totally different than the day before. The earth was different visually and energetically. What I noticed was the incredible and majestic mountains of southern Colorado to the openness and expansive-ness of eastern Colorado. Miles and miles of prairie land shared it’s purity with me. So fascinating to look at the different areas with an open heart and energetic eyes! I found it fascinating when I stopped for some lunch in Trinidad, Colorado (southern Colorado), I asked the young man the name of the mountain range that was covered with gorgeous snow? He looked at me and very politely responded, “I don’t know.”

So that made me think even more! Are we walking with eyes wide open with appreciation and gratitude for the beauty and alive-ness that mother earth is presenting?
Are we aware of our surroundings?
Do you stop for even a moment, to smell the flowers and to breathe the air?
Look around right now….stop reading for a second…..and look around. My guess is that you will be noticing something that you haven’t seen before or in a really long time.
Slow down my friends and breathe. Ground that breath deep into the core of our great mother. AAAHHHH…….can you feel yourself coming alive?

I was also blessed with many hawk and antelope sightings throughout the day. And, of course, horses, cows, a llama and a sweet black cat!!

That is it for now. Dreaming of Day 4! Be sure to join me…there’s room for everyone.

All my love,
Jean Kowalski

Dear Friends,
After waking up in Needles to an amazing sunrise, I set out on day 2 to see what kind of Romance would greet me on this glorious day. First stop….Juicy’s Restaurant!! (what a great name!) I overheard the waitress greeting a couple of men in the next booth. She asked the one gentleman..How are you today? (I noticed that he is a regular customer at Juicy's)
His answer….I’m livin’ the dream! WOW….what a profound answer and statement! What if everyone had an answer like that? The energetics would totally shift around us and through us. So I decided to walk this day with eyes and ears wide open. Because of this commitment, it was a day I will not forget!

Heading out on the highway it was truly fascinating to witness the diversity of the earth. From green bushy shrubs, to rocky hills, to snow at 7000 feet in Flagstaff, Arizona, to barren desert and on and on!

I stopped in Yucca, Arizona to take pictures for my son to paint and I noticed these sweet yellow flowers. I’m not sure what kind they are, though I am so amazed how they can grow and blossom in the dry, dry earth! Talk about being totally grounded deep into mother earth!! So as I was working on taking a picture of them, I kept walking around them trying not to get my shadow in the picture! Well, I did succeed with that. Back on the highway, I started contemplating these flowers and the photo.
How often do we keep walking around something to avoid the “shadow”?
Why do we feel we need to sometimes hide that “shadow”?
What’s wrong with bringing the “shadow” forward…front and center and observing it (taking that picture)?
I know I have done this myself….almost like a dog trying to catch its tail!!
Have you ever done this?
It’s time we all step up to the plate and let that “shadow” be photographed!!! Are you in?

On the same subject, later afternoon I was taking note of the beautiful clouds and how interestingly they cast shadows down on the earth and rocks. Hummm, I thought. Here it is, Father Sky (masculine energy) with beautiful white puffy clouds on top and darkness on the bottom of the clouds, casting these “shadows” onto Mother Earth (feminine energy)!!! Are you getting this picture??!!! Fascinating. I will be doing much more contemplating on this!

Another amazing event was when I was feeling a pull to stop at this small town called Ash Fork, Arizona. I saw a sign for tourist information and museum. Thinking how fun it would be to see some local history, for one because I am really drawn to the Native American teachings, art and culture. The man that was working there was helping a couple other people so I strolled through on my own. When he finished, I asked him to tell me about the rocks in the area. Firstly, this area is known for “Flagstone”….beautiful for flooring, signs, etc. I was fortunate to get sample of this amazing rock. Then I noticed a poster talking about Obsidian! Yes, it comes from this area also! This gentleman’s name was Roy and if you know me….I LOVE rocks and crystals! He shared a story with me about when he and a buddy found 2 6-8 inch crystal points! From there he began telling me about a few instances when he started seeing his deceased loved ones. Note the word deceased!!! He said that someone who is into this kind of thing told me that if it happened once, it will happen again!! How beautifully the Universe lined us up to talk about rocks, crystals and dead people! SWEET!!!!! I do feel it was re-assurance for him to know that it’s a great gift!! Sweet Angels.

The day actually flew by….all 10 hours of driving. Tomorrow I will venture up through Colorado and into Nebraska!!! Let’s see what amazing things the Universe has for tomorrow.

Thank you for walking the journey with me. As I said before, we are all One so as I walk it, you walk it!!! Open your heart and feel this healing, the love of Gaia and the call of the horses.

Join me for Day 3!!!
Namaste’

Jean Kowalski